What it does
goose is an AI agent: instead of only answering questions, it can take steps on your computer to get a job done. Its makers say it is not just for code. It can help with research, writing, automation and data analysis too.
It comes as a desktop app for Mac, Windows and Linux, as a command-line tool and as an API (a way for other programs to use it). It works with many AI providers, including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and local models through Ollama.
You can add abilities through more than 70 extensions that use MCP, a standard way to plug tools into AI apps. The project is part of the Agentic AI Foundation at the Linux Foundation.
Who it's for
Anyone who wants an AI helper that can act on their computer, and developers who want to build on one.
Can I use it without coding?
Yes. There's a desktop app to download. You need to connect it to an AI provider, using an API key or an existing subscription. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- Free, but needs an AI accountThe software is free, but it uses an online AI service (like OpenAI or Anthropic), which usually charges for use.
- Runs on
- Mac, Windows, Linux
- Privacy
- Your choice: run it on your device or use an online service
- API key
- Not needed
Try it
- Download the desktop app for macOS, Linux or Windows from the goose website.
- Connect an AI provider with an API key, an existing subscription, or a local model.
- Ask goose to carry out a task, such as research or writing.
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page or the official download page above. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (Apache-2.0): Permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
- More on staying safe